HC Deb 18 July 1944 vol 402 cc11-2
25. Mr. Denville

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is considering the case submitted to him three years ago and repeated several times since of a large double-decker omnibus and two single omnibuses used daily to take workers from the station to their office, bring them down to their lunch, take them back and take them down again at tea-time; and, as the distance is so small that on most days the omnibuses are empty and that all residents walk this distance, will he now put a stop to this waste of fuel.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

I have been asked to reply. Neither my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power nor my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport can find any record of representations made by my hon. Friend about the omnibus services to which he now refers. These services, like others, provided for workers dispersed in other parts of the London area, have been reviewed from time to time. I am satisfied that the services which still remain are required to meet a reasonable need. I shall be happy to furnish my hon. Friend with full particulars if he so desires.

Mr. Denville

Is my hon. Friend aware that school children aged from seven to nine walk this distance every day, and walk back for their meals, and that the residents do it also, and that three buses are doing this distance every day, carrying half a dozen people?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The version of the facts I have received from the regional transport commissioner differs in many particulars from that given by my hon. Friend. Many of these people are railway staff over retirement age, many of them are in ill-health, and I am afraid that without these facilities their services could not be retained.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that had he not provided the necessary facilities he would have been reprimanded?